Garda shot dead with own weapon in County Roscommon

A murder investigation has been launched after Detective Colm Horkan was shot dead in County Roscommon overnight.

The 49-year-old was shot while on patrol on Main Street in Castlerea shortly before midnight, in what Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has described as a "random act".

His gun was taken from him during a physical altercation with a man on the main street of the town.

A man in his 40s is being held for questioning.

Hundreds gather in Castlerea to remember Detective Garda Colm Horkan

Hundreds of people in Castlerea, Co Roscommon have gathered in the pouring rain for a vigil to remember Detective Garda Colm Horkan.

One man, who attended the vigil to show support for the local Garda community, explained: "Colm was very much part of the team in Castlerea for quite a number of years, and apparently he was not just an outstanding policeman but an [outstanding] human being at his heart.

"He'll be sorely missed and sorrowfully missed by all of us - we need more of his ilk in our community, not less."

Earlier, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the detective gave his life "protecting the community he had served with distinction and courage".

Father and son drown in Lough Keel in Co Donegal

A father and son have drowned in a tragedy at a lake in Co Donegal.

Emergency services recovered the bodies from Lough Keel, outside Kilmacrennan, this evening.

Gardaí confirmed those who died were a man in his 40s and a teenage boy.

Coronavirus: Four more deaths and 16 new cases in Republic

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan. Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

There have been four more coronavirus-related deaths in the Republic.

16 new cases of COVID-19 have also been confirmed.

It brings the total number of cases to 25,355, while the number of deaths has reached 1,714.

Power says Ireland can punch above its weight on UN Security Council

The former US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power has said Ireland will be able to influence international affairs through its UN Security Council seat.

Ireland beat off competition from Canada to claim the seat in a vote at UN Headquarters in New York last night.

On The Pat Kenny Show this morning, Samantha Power said the win was “extraordinary” considering how competitive the race was.

Main image: Garda at the scene in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, where Detective Garda Colm Horkan died after being shot on Wednesday night. Picture by: Niall Carson/PA Wire/PA Images